Page 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021 Road Races are Back! $2.39 After pandemic cancellations last year, the YMCA of Metro North’s 5ks and Half Marathon return to in-person run or walk for charity (Editor’s note: The following info is from a press release issued this week by the YMCA of Metro North in Saugus.) L ace up your sneakers and get ready to run or walk with the YMCA of Metro North. With one month to go before the start of its popular Road Race Series, registrations are picking up as runners and walkers turn out for the return of in-person races. Participants can run or walk the YMCA of Metro North four 5ks or run the Half Marathon. Proceeds from each race support access to the YMCAs health programming for members of the community and provide fi - nancial assistance to children to attend Y Academy child care programs and summer camps. The series kicks off on Saturday, Aug. 21, with the Saugus Family YMCA’s Not a Walk in the Park 5k through the scenic trails of Breakheart Reservation in Saugus. “We are going to have a lot of fun this year. People are ready to get back to these in-person events that bring our communities together for a great cause,” YMCA of Metro North President and CEO Kathleen Walsh said. “I really missed the races last year. Our virtual events were a novel idea during the pandemic, but nothing beats the excitement of race day,” Walsh said of the Road Race Series registrations that provide a race number and race day gear for all four 5k races. RUNNING FOR REAL: Popular race events return after a year’s absence because of COVID-19. Here is a happy contestant from the Saugus Family YMCA’s “Not a Walk in the Park 5k” at Breakheart Reservation in April 2019. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) The Saugus Not a Walk in the Park 5k at Breakheart Reservation on August 21 will be followed by the Demakes Family YMCA’s Stride Along the Tide 5k at Nahant Life Saving Station on Sept. 25; the Melrose Family YMCA’s Spooky Sprint in Downtown Melrose on October 30; and the Torigian Family YMCA’s Livestrong at the Y Half Marathon and inaugural LiveSTRONG 5k on November 20. The LiveSTRONG half marathon will run concurrently with the LiveSTRONG 5k. “We are so ready to kick off the Metro North’s Road Race Series in Saugus again,” said Saugus YMCA Senior Program Director Issac Fowler. “It’s a tradition our commuBanking with a hometown touch. Open a free checking account with no monthly fees, and get access to Mobile Banking, Bill Pay and other features. Because no matter where you go, we’re right by you. Call or visit us to sign up. 419 BROADWAY, EVERETT MA 02149 61 7-38 7 - 1 1 10 7 7 1 SALEM ST, LYNNFIELD, MA 01940 781-7 76- 4444 WWW.EVERET TBANK . COM nity really enjoys. These are family-friendly events for everyone. Whether you walk or run, we have prizes for people in all ages and categories,” he said. “It’ll be a great way for people to get together outdoors and reconnect with their neighbors.” Registration is open for each of the individual 2021 Road Race Series 5ks and the Road Race Series bundle. Each YMCA race welcomes runners and walkers of all ages on the course for these family-friendly events. Prizes are awarded to the top runners in each age group and gender, and all participants will be eligible to win raffl e prizes. The races include chip-timing by Bay State Timing Services, an exclusive race t-shirt and post-race refreshments. Road Race Series participants will receive an additional gift at the conclusion of the LiveSTRONG 5k in November for completing all four races. For more information about the 2021 road race series, please visit www.ymcametronorth. org/support/road-race-series/. Camp Funshine B Saugus Catholics Collaborative offers free Summer Fun Program for kids next month lessed Sacrament Parish and Right by you. Member FDIC Member DIF St. Margaret’s Parish will host a lively summer experience this year on the grounds of Blessed Sacrament Church. Called Camp Funshine, the program is open to any Saugus child who will be entering Grades 1 through 5 in September. The camp runs Aug. 9-12 (mornings only) from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. This free program includes crafts, water games and faith-based activities. For more information, please call Dawn Hunt at the Saugus Catholics Collaborative Offi ce at 781-233-2497 or email her at dawn@sauguscatholics.org.
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